IFN-beta is produced mainly by fibroblasts and some epithelial cell types. The synthesis of IFN-beta can be induced by common inducers of interferons including viruses, double-stranded RNA, and micro-organisms. It is induced also by some cytokines such as TNF and IL-1. IFN-beta binds to the same receptor as IFN-alpha. IFN-beta is involved in the regulation of unspecific humoral immune responses and immune responses against viral infections. IFN-beta increases the expression of HLA class 1 antigens and blocks the expression of HLA class 2 antigens stimulated by IFN-gamma. IFN-beta stimulates the activity of natural killer cells and hence also antibody-dependent cytotoxicity. IFN-beta shows antiproliferative activity against a number of cell lines established from solid tumors.